The season got off to a bit of a rocky start, both for Derek Stepan and the New York Rangers as a whole. While the Rangers are still struggling to find their game and find some consistency, Stepan has rebounded quite nicely since his own miserable start.

Much of the Rangers’ focus in the middle tends to fall on Brad Richards, as he’s the top center, and Brian Boyle, for his inability to consistently stay out of the press box. Stepan sort of flies under the radar down on Broadway.

Stepan had a career year for the Blueshirts last year, with over 50 points. After a slow start, in which he had just five points in 10 games. , he’s regained that form.

On the season, Stepan has 16 points in 25 games since shaking off that quiet start. He’s been putting up points with much more regularity. He recently put together a four-game point streak, with six points so far in five March contests.

The thing about what Stepan is doing is that it’s not just limited to success in the offensive zone. He’s providing solid play in all three zones, whether it’s in the offensive, neutral, or defensive third of the ice.

Somewhat quietly, Derek Stepan is one of the better no. 2 centers in the league. He’s the type of guy that is going to give you steady play, regardless of the circumstances. He’s solid offensively, and defensively, while providing more than capable playmaking skills. If only he got a bit more credit for doing so.